Today we’d like to introduce you to Theo Seidmon.
Theo, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After graduating with a Bachelor’s in music, in which I practiced five hours every day, I was left wondering “where are the marimba jobs??” I didn’t find any, so I decided to make my own.
I combined my love of pop music, music production, and playing marimba to create Marimba Pop. Nobody really knows what a marimba is, so I combined the instrument with something everyone could relate to – the top songs on the radio. I also wanted to highlight my talented friends on video and audio for the project.
Since starting on YouTube in 2014, I’ve released 18 cover videos that have reached over 2.2 million views, with my cover of “Despacito” going viral. The best part is seeing how it reaches people around the world.
I’ve had fans from the Philippines, Africa, and Guatemala tell me that the marimba, or an instrument similar to the marimba, is prevalent in their culture. They love hearing the songs they recognize from the radio being played on this traditional instrument they know and love.
Has it been a smooth road?
The biggest struggle, which I know lots of musicians and artists deal with, is going through the ups and downs of anxiety and depression. I’ve gone through break-ups, highs and lows in my career, and having to move apartments often. It’s been emotionally draining, and it can definitely take a toll on my creativity and passion for music.
However, there are ways to overcome these feelings and thoughts:
1. Take time for yourself. No work. Go on walks, hikes, or meditate.
2. Be out in the world. Yes, we have to work in practice rooms and studios, but taking the time to go to a coffee shop or a park does wonders to your happiness.
3. Find good friends and collaborators. It might take time, but keep trying, and you will find your people.
4. Keep going and create. My best work has been when I’m not feeling great, but I power through it. Taking action will always make you feel better!
5. Seek out help, whether through a close friend or a therapist. It makes a world of difference.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
At Marimba Pop, I create pop cover songs on the marimba. The marimba has a unique sound: it’s calming yet percussive. I combine sleek videos with fun songs so fans around the world can feel the joy and passion I have for marimba music.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
LA is where great musicians live. If you go out to a jam or even a friend’s party, you’re bound to meet someone in the industry. You can meet other incredible collaborators more easily here than in other cities. There are also plenty of performance opportunities because it’s such a big metropolitan area. I might be at a hotel or restaurant one night, and then a local theater or venue the next night.
If you want to be in LA, the earlier, the better, but make sure your chops and sound are at a professional level. You can put out music and have fans anywhere in the world now because of the internet, but you’ll find more collaborators here – singers to work with, guitarists to gig with, or tours that get booked out of LA.
That being said, our city needs to have affordable housing and improve our metro system!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marimbapop.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/marimbapop
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/marimbapop
- Other: www.youtube.com/marimbapop
Image Credit:
Cliff Lipson, Creative Studios LA
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